The Coding Symbols Lesson: 3 Tips for Improvement

The goal of the coding lesson is for children to learn phonics and word patterns, which in turn help children to read better.

However, while coding has proven to be successful for many children, some kids struggle to read with this method. In this blog I explain why this is happening and give 3 tips for improvement.

Tip #1: Don't use something the kids are unfamiliar with as a means to teach another concept.

This lesson involves teaching kids to read through the use of abstract, dictionary-like symbols. However, such symbols are more unfamiliar to children than the actual letters of the alphabet. It's better to create reading strategies that are in the knowledge base of the average child.

Tip #2: Provide kids a strategy that portrays the actual reading process.

During the coding lesson, first the vowel sound is determined; second, the coding symbol is added. Therefore, due to its late arrival, the symbol does not actually play a role in determining how to pronounce the vowel.

Therefore, although a child may complete the coding exercises, a child can easily be confused about how to apply the coding lesson to actual reading.

Tip #3: Give children strategies that work with natural text.

In real life, there are no coding symbols on vowels. Therefore, it may be better for a child to learn reading strategies that they can use with natural text.

I hope your have found this information helpful for you and your child.

If you want to take a break from coding and other conventional methods for teaching reading, then please check out the Unique Teach Reading Program through the link below.

Also, if you are a homeschooling parent, check out the homeschooling course link in the menu. You may find its methods to be helpful if your child is struggling in any subject.